Shovelhead A place to talk about Shovelheads.

Split rocker boxes

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 5, 2014 | 01:31 PM
  #1  
Spumoni's Avatar
Spumoni
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
10 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 149
Likes: 45
From: Upstate NY
Default Split rocker boxes

I am in the process of replacing the rocker boxes on my custom 78 shovelhead. It currently has OEM rocker boxes that were split and powder coated - we noticed a hairline crack on the inside, and it looks like the chrome was never removed so I plan in looking for a used pair of OEM's to split and powder coat again. Of course the rear rocker had a slight leak.

My question is - if this is done properly, will there still be a chance they leak? There is that 9th middle bolt that can't be used when the boxes are split... but I found a pair of NEW split rockers online for about $600 that still use that bolt in the center, but still gives that split look.

I hope I'm explaining myself clearly.

Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!
 
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2014 | 01:59 PM
  #2  
johnjzjz's Avatar
johnjzjz
Seasoned HDF Member
15 Year Member
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 12,878
Likes: 5,449
From: la la land jerzey
Default

lots of missing info

the rear box is cracked - well what did that --

valve spring pressure plays into this -- OH it has evo rocker conversion - i am running paper gaskets with no 9 th bolt - - not a fan but we have done them with no way no how we do it over if it leaks - had them on my sporty back in the day for a while -

tin gaskets are the only deal and you have to glue them with the ( right stuff ) permatex # 85224 - i dont care what the tin gasket company sayes you need to glue them

the trick is to use a double sheet of paper towel and take the right stuff smear on to the gloves between the fingers a wad of glue - than work it into the tin gasket both sides all around - then take it the glued gasket and put it into the paper towel and fold over - change the gloves to new set they are gone - than pat the paper towel as it was folded over the glued gasket after a min or 2 - take a look - if its still thick and oozing - new paper towel and do over pat it for a min or 2 than look again if it looks like a cometic foam gasket its ready to install -

the only way we found to keep them from coming back a week later

coating the covers makes them worp BTW and we re dress the gasket area after its all coated, than we bolt the rockers in as well ( before machining ) then take it all apart to clean before its ready to install - bolting it as its going to be insatlled moves the covers a bit as well -- reason we do it that way
 

Last edited by johnjzjz; Dec 5, 2014 at 02:02 PM.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Swany6mm
Touring Models
22
Oct 21, 2015 06:11 PM
EVOrider
EVO
20
Apr 28, 2012 10:32 PM
Superfly3176
Sportster Models
6
Feb 20, 2012 03:09 PM
Osco
Sportster Models
12
Sep 11, 2010 04:20 PM
WhiteGoldSG
Touring Models
4
Jul 31, 2010 04:33 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:29 PM.

story-0
10 Most Awkward-Looking Motorcycles Ever Built

Slideshow: Not every motorcycle can be a design icon, and these machines prove that bold styling doesn't always age gracefully.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:58:41


VIEW MORE
story-1
Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs

Slideshow: Jason Momoa's latest restoration project blends 1920s Harley-Davidsons with modern electric technology, creating some of the most unusual hybrid motorcycles ever built.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:18:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

Slideshow: Killer Custom's latest build relies on styling changes rather than performance upgrades, giving the cruiser an entirely different personality.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 18:28:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-4
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-5
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-9
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE